Grid Upgrades Underway to Benefit JCP&L Customers in Burlington and Ocean Counties

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiary JCP&L has initiated a $3.2 million grid upgrade project in Burlington and Ocean counties, New Jersey, benefiting approximately 2,500 customers. The two-phase project, scheduled for completion in July 2025, covers over four miles of power lines across North Hanover, New Hanover, and Plumsted townships.

The first phase includes infrastructure upgrades with stronger wires and poles, enhanced fuses, reclosers, and TripSaver devices for improved outage management. The second phase involves constructing a new power line to meet current and future demand. This initiative is part of JCP&L's Supplemental High Priority Circuit Program and FirstEnergy's broader Energize365 program, which plans to invest $26 billion between 2024-2028 across six states for grid modernization.

Positive

• Investment of $3.2 million in grid infrastructure improvements
• Part of larger $26 billion Energize365 program (2024-2028)
• Implementation of advanced technology (TripSaver devices) for better outage management
• Infrastructure expansion to accommodate future growth

Negative

• None.

Project anticipated to be completed in summer 2025

HOLMDEL, N.J., Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has started upgrades to the electric grid in Burlington and northwestern Ocean counties to enhance service for approximately 2,500 JCP&L customers. The $3.2 million, two-phase project is expected to be completed in July.

Equipment enhancements will take place along more than four miles of overhead and underground power lines in North Hanover, New Hanover and Plumsted townships.

Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy's President, New Jersey: "These grid enhancements build on the New Jersey Reliability Improvement Project, introducing infrastructure upgrades that will significantly enhance the safe and reliable service our JCP&L customers expect. This work also prepares our grid to meet the demands of the future."

The first phase will provide upgrades to two sections of power line originating out of a JCP&L substation in Cookstown, Burlington County, including:

• Replacing existing infrastructure with thicker, stronger wires and poles that can safely carry more electricity and provide more resiliency in storms.
• Upgrading fuses and installing additional devices and reclosers that allow power to be rerouted to adjacent lines when an outage occurs, minimizing the number of impacted customers.
• Installing TripSaver devices, which sense temporary abnormalities along power lines, such as a tree branch bouncing off lines, and automatically reenergize the line after the condition has passed without having to send a crew to investigate.
• Additional tree trimming and vegetation management along power lines.

The second phase will include the construction of a new power line to better meet current and future customer demand. The new line will tie into existing lines, enhancing reliability by increasing the ability for power to be switched and damage isolated in the event of outages.

The work is part of JCP&L's Supplemental High Priority Circuit Program, which expands upon the company's New Jersey Reliability Improvement Project, a two-phase effort to enhance reliability for customers on high-priority lines selected based on historical outage data.

The JCP&L reliability programs are part of Energize365, FirstEnergy's grid evolution program focused on investing $26 billion between 2024 and 2028 across its six-state footprint to create a smarter, more secure grid that delivers the power customers depend on today while also meeting the challenges of tomorrow.

JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren. Follow JCP&L on X @JCP_L, on Facebook at facebook.com/JCPandL or online at jcp-l.com.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on X @FirstEnergyCorp or online at firstenergycorp.com.

 

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is the cost and timeline of JCP&L's grid upgrade project in Burlington and Ocean counties?

The grid upgrade project costs $3.2 million and is expected to be completed in July 2025.

How many customers will benefit from FirstEnergy's (FE) JCP&L grid upgrades in New Jersey?

The grid upgrades will enhance service for approximately 2,500 JCP&L customers in Burlington and northwestern Ocean counties.

What improvements are included in FirstEnergy's (FE) JCP&L grid upgrade project?

The project includes installing stronger wires and poles, upgrading fuses, adding reclosers, implementing TripSaver devices, conducting vegetation management, and constructing a new power line.

How much is FirstEnergy (FE) investing in its Energize365 program between 2024-2028?

FirstEnergy is investing $26 billion in the Energize365 program across its six-state footprint between 2024 and 2028.

Which townships are affected by JCP&L's grid upgrade project?

The grid upgrades affect North Hanover, New Hanover, and Plumsted townships in New Jersey.